Great to be part of the project team on this exciting scheme which will see a two-storey partially vacant building, which was formerly the premises for a bank, converted into 5x stylish apartments and 2x commercial units. This scheme will provide much needed new housing in a central location, regenerate the high street in the town of Great Dunmow and future proof a dilapidated Grade II listed building.
It was a complex project given the prominent location of the site and its various challenging designations, including: the building’s Grade II listed status, its location within a Conservation Area and within the Town Development Area.
Given these sensitives and following a pre-application meeting, we were approached by the lead architect who wanted expert assistance in assembling a project team to mitigate and respond to these issues, and for us to prepare a comprehensive Planning Statement to support the application.
The importance of a strong project team to navigate development on a sensitive site
Our first step was to conduct a detailed review of the pre-application feedback provided by Uttlesford council. From this, we identified the need for additional specialist reports, including a Heritage Impact Assessment, Noise Impact Assessment, Air Quality Assessment and a Transport and Parking Survey. Leveraging our network of trusted third-party consultants, we collated a robust project team, coordinating with them to ensure that their surveys responded to the project’s specific proposals.
Following a review of the specialist reports, we provided actionable feedback to the architect and client. This enabled the project team to make necessary adjustments to the plans, ensuring that the proposals complied with both local and national planning requirements and /or presented suitable mitigation where needed.
The purpose of a Planning Statement – to identify the context and need for a proposed development and assess how it accords with relevant planning policies
We prepared a robust Planning Statement to support the application, which responded to the key planning issues, including: the principle of development, design and context, amenity, heritage and conservation. We successfully justified that whilst the proposals would intensify residential development along the High Street, the retention of 2 retail units on the ground floor would help to retain the strong retail frontage in the local area. Furthermore, given that the majority of the property had been vacant for a substantial period of time, we evidenced a lack of interest for the property on the open market and as such, why the proposed redevelopment represented the most viable use for the heritage asset and would ultimately contribute to its preservation. The application was approved and listed building consent granted.
Positive development outcome for Great Dunmow
This project will deliver five high-quality residential units in a prime High Street location, contributing to Uttlesford’s housing supply and supporting local regeneration goals. Additionally, the proposal includes the refurbishment of the building’s historic façade, enhancing the visual appeal of Dunmow High Street while complementing its rich architectural heritage.
How we can support your planning application
Have you received a pre-application response or had an application rejected due to insufficient information? We are a highly experienced planning consultancy and offer flexible services, ranging from full project management to tailored advice based on your project aims and the complexity of your site. Our expertise in managing multi-faceted planning applications helps with successful navigation of the planning system, saving you time and potentially reducing costs.
Contact us today to learn how we can provide expert guidance for your planning application and help bring your development vision to life.
About us
We are Plainview Planning, now part of McLoughlin Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants. If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, or call us on 01242 501003, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. We look forward to helping you.
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Project team
- Mark Fage (Architect)
- Barry Hillman-Crouch (Heritage)
- Create Consulting Engineers (Air Quality)
- Create Consulting Engineers (Noise)
- Motion (Transport)
IMAGE SOURCE: Mark Fage Architect (2024)